World Bank and IFAD officials meets with MAF Minister

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Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Laauli Leuatea Schmidt confirmed a meeting with Senior representatives of the World Bank (WB) and the International Fund for Development (IFAD). 

A statement released this week outlines the officials are in the country to assess the progress of our Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity and Marketing (SAFPROM) project.  

Also to discuss the project MAF and Ministry of Finance (MOF) staff, whether the budget can be reallocated from one activity to another without compromising the project development objective (PDO) or the overall allocated budget.

The team includes Son Thanh Vo (WB Senior Agriculture Specialist and Task Team Leader), Iretomiwa Olatunji (WB Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist and Task Team Leader), Tawfiq Elzabri (IFAD outgoing Pacific Country Director), Candra Samekto (IFAD incoming Pacific Country Director), and Brian Brandenburg (WB Livestock Specialist, Consultant).

A project financing agreement was formalised in late 2019 after the design phase of SAFPROM began in early 2018. 

SAFPROM Project aims to increase the productivity and access to markets by selected producers, improve the management of targeted natural resources and provide an immediate response in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency.

The statement says the Minister relayed to the mission officials the mandate of the new Government, focusing on human development, and that any budget reallocation should prioritise our farmers and fishers.

“We had some very useful discussions on how I see Samoa maximising the benefits from SAFPROM for our food and nutrition security, as well as for the livelihoods of all our farmers and fishermen, especially our smallholder farmers and fishermen.  

“Thank you (WB and IFAD) for your continued assistance with the development efforts of our sector for the benefit of our people, and safe travels back to your respective countries.”